Kathleen Barbara Krise's Obituary
Kathleen Krise Obituary
Kathleen Barbara Krise, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, departed from this world on December 3, 2023, at Clarehouse in Tulsa, at the age of 81. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held to celebrate her remarkable life on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 11 AM at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church in Bixby, Okla.
Kathleen, affectionately known as Kathie, was born on June 8, 1942, in Johnson City, New York, to William Adam and Sophie Gaska Wiktorek. She spent her formative years in Johnson City, where she graduated from Johnson City High School and worked alongside her father at his Sinclair gas station.
While serving ice cream at the local Carvel Ice Cream Store in Johnson City, Kathie met her sailor, James Morris Krise. Kathie was fascinated by Jim's stories about "bumping boats with the Russians!" Kathie's beautiful brown eyes reminded Jim of "pools of root beer." On December 9, 1961, Kathie and Jim were married at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Binghamton, New York. Their union of over 61 years was marked by love, adventure, and enduring commitment.
In 1975, Kathie and Jim relocated to Broken Arrow, where they raised their two sons, James and Nicholas. Kathie was a devoted wife and mother, instilling honor, loyalty, and a strong Roman Catholic faith in her children. She embraced diversity, allowing her children to explore various houses of worship.
Kathie's intelligence and love for learning were evident throughout her life. She was a lifelong member of Beta Sigma Phi Women's International Sorority, pledging in 1976. Her contributions were immeasurable, holding various positions, including President. She engaged in numerous charitable activities, collecting purses for women's shelters, making totes for foster children, and supporting various causes.
A passionate traveler, Kathie explored the country, visiting landmarks such as the world's largest ketchup bottle, the Indianapolis 500 track, the President's wives' museum, and the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she adorned her home with Department 56 homes, leaving decorations up until the 4th of July.
Kathie's contagious laugh filled every room she entered, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her. She was nonjudgmental, a friend to everyone, and had a special knack for making others feel cherished.
She is survived by her children, James Krise and his wife, Cammie, and Nicholas Krise; grandchildren, Schyler Wiecek and Xavier Krise; great-grandchildren, Jenna, Autumn, and Remington Wiecek; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and cherished sorority sisters.
Kathleen Barbara Krise is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim, and her brother, William.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to be directed to the Gary Sinise Foundation at www.garysinisefoundation.org.
As we bid farewell to Kathie, we remember her as a woman of strength, generosity, and unwavering love. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
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